Literacy Outreach recently received a $2,500 merit grant that was awarded through the Northwest Regional Council of the El Pomar Foundation.

El Pomar Foundation has 11 regional councils that represent the entire state of Colorado. The councils are responsible for funding projects in their region. Each council is composed of approximately a half-dozen community leaders who have the opportunity, in addition to the larger funding commitments of the council, to recommend discretionary grants called merit grants to nonprofits in their community that they feel are doing great work.

Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, at left, recently presented a merit grant from the Northwest Regional Council of the El Pomar Foundation to Martha Fredendall, executive director of Literacy Outreach, and Brisa Morales, volunteer coordinator Literacy Outreach. Literacy Outreach will use the grant to fund its Hands-On English classes for nontraditional learners.

Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College and Northwest Regional Council member, recommended that El Pomar recognize the exceptional work of two nonprofits in the region: Literacy Outreach and Partners in Routt County. The Northwest Council region covers Grand, Gilpin, Garfield, Jackson, Mesa, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt counties.

“We are very grateful to be awarded this grant from the El Pomar Foundation,” said Martha Fredendall, executive director for Literacy Outreach. Literacy Outreach is a local nonprofit that teaches essential literacy skills. Literacy Outreach teaches such basic literacy skills as reading, writing, math or English as a Second Language. Literacy Outreach pairs community volunteers with adult learners in Garfield County.

“Literacy Outreach is a fundamental force in improving adult literacy in Garfield County,” said Hauser. “I am honored to be able to help connect them with El Pomar, one of our state’s largest and most impactful foundations.”

According to Fredendall, the grant will be used to fund their Hands-On English classes. “These classes allow nontraditional learners to study and learn in a tactile environment,” she said. “Increased literacy skills creates a better-educated workforce. A better-educated workforce leads to increased productivity, lower crime rates and a lower school dropout rate.”